Calvary Episcopal Church

Calvary Episcopal Church. Rochester's Oldest Church Building. , Built in 1862, during the Civil War, eight years after the founding of Rochester (1854), the primitive "chapel" measured only 27 by 55 feet. It was built on the original plat of bricks made in Rochester. Two lots were given by George Head, the founder of Rochester. Bishop H.B. Whipple, Minnesota's first Episcopal bishop, called by his Indian friends "Straight Tongue" consecrated the church on January 28, 1866., In June 1868 the church was extended 22 1/2 feet and the sanctuary was also extended 16 feet to the north thereby increasing the seating capacity. The "chapel" became Calvary Church., In 1894 a new entrance was provided at the east side and a window installed where the first entrance previously opened onto the street. From 1904 to 1907 the Tudor arches with birch ceiling and the stained glass windows added to the old world charm of its interior. In 1949 a memorial lych-gate was built to adjoin the entrance., Among the beautiful old stained glass windows are several made by Tiffany of New York. The original Guild Hall, built in 1891 adjoining the church was replaced in 1917 by the present Brackenridge Memorial Hall.